Plizio Visual Lab

Panama Natural Gas Terminal

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Panama Natural Gas Terminal, officially known as AES Colón, represents a landmark in Central America's energy infrastructure. Located on Telfers Island in the Colón province, it was inaugurated in 2018 following an investment of approximately $1.15 billion. The complex features a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal with a storage capacity of 180,000 cubic meters and a high-efficiency 381-megawatt gas-fired power plant. As the first terminal of its kind in the region, it serves as a strategic hub for the import and distribution of natural gas. By transitioning to natural gas, Panama reduces its reliance on heavy fuel oil and coal, leading to a cleaner national energy matrix. The infrastructure facilitates not only electricity generation but also provides options for ship bunkering and the export of small LNG volumes to neighboring countries. The project has solidified Colón's status as a major energy center at the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal.

Location: Panama
Nearby: Las Garzas, Panama (12 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	28	28	28	27	27	27	27	27	27	27
Rain mm	20	9	18	107	245	253	204	220	245	260	248	108

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This facility receives, stores and regasifies liquefied natural gas (LNG) for regional energy supply. It plays a key role in Panama's energy diversification and supports the country's shift towards cleaner fuels.

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Visiting

Access to the terminal is restricted due to safety regulations, so public visits are not typically allowed. The operation area is fenced and monitored, making it an off-limits industrial zone.

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Where to view it

The best public view is from the surrounding waters of the Panama Canal or nearby roads, where the storage tanks and loading arms are visible. There is no dedicated observation platform, but passing vessels offer a distant perspective.

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Local products

No direct consumer goods are produced here, but the terminal facilitates the import of LNG used for power generation. Travelers will not find local markets associated with this facility.

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Active season

The terminal operates year-round to ensure continuous gas supply, with peak activity when LNG shipments arrive by tanker. Maintenance periods may occur, but overall it is constantly active.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with the Panama Canal observation points or the Miraflores Locks to see maritime engineering. The nearby port areas also offer insight into global trade logistics.